CanadianJane

I am trying to book 2 tickets on the high speed train from Barcelona to Madrid in September on the RENFE website. It allows me to select the Sants station in Barcelona but when I try to choose the main station in Madrid which I think is Atocha it won't allow it. I seems to want to make me choose Madrid (Todos) but I cannot find that on my map. Anyone done this recently and can help me? I don't want to find out I have a ticket to somewhere other than the main area of Madrid or close proximity. Thank you !

PalenQ

don't Todos mean all Madrid stations? So chose that -there are two main stations in Madrid - Charmartin a bit out of center but has underground trains and metro to center - and Atocha and there are several smaller stations - perhaps it means your ticket is valid to a main station and from there to any of the smaller commuter stations around the town center.

All Barcelona to Madrid AVE (hi-speed) trains seem to come into Atocha station and then I believe your ticket would be valid to any lesser commuter station which may be closer to your hotel and have trains from Atocha.

For lots on Spanish trains- www.seat61.com (may find something on there); general info - like first v 2nd cl, etc. www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

I think you're fine to book to Madrid (Todos) all stations and your AVE train will arrive at Atocha station and you can take trains from the commuter rail part of the station to various other Madrid stations.

IMDonehere

As Palen indicated Todos just means all (stations.) Just select Todos, it will be Atocha.

The RENFE site is a royal PITA. Fortunately the trains are much more friendly and comfortable.

CanadianJane

Thank you!!! I did not think of that. I have just started planning this trip so have not delved into my Spanish dictionary yet. I really appreciate your quick reply.

PalenQ

As Palen indicated Todos just means all (stations.) Just select Todos, it will be Atocha.>

So it may not indicate you can go on that ticket to other Madrid stations though I think that may well be the case.

PalenQ

perhaps if you put in name of smaller station near your hotel it would have you changing in Atocha?

IMDonehere

It should mention on the ticket when issued. I think there are some AVE trains that run from Charmartin, but I am not sure they go to Barcelona.

Try this site for train information.

https://www.raileurope.com/european-...w-to-book.html

Robert2016

If you register on Renfe, booking a train will be easily.

The train only runs between Barcelona and Madrid Atocha, not Charmartin.

Christina

YOu can easily pick Madrid Puerta de Atocha for a train to Barcelona, anyway, so I don't understand the complaint (on Renfe). I just did it without any problem at all.